Looking for a Book Club that literally gets you in touch with the author? Then "Conversations" is for you! Founded in November 2006, CONVERSATIONS has set a new standard for all literary organizations. We not only discuss books, but we get the opportunity to enjoy a conference call Q&A or physical visit with the author as well. Join our book club today! Admission is free. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Rankin County Uses Book Discussion To Address Hate Crimes, Death Penalties During Racial Reconciliation Month

(Pearl, MS)Conversations Book Club President and Rankin County native Cyrus Webb will be hosting a book signing and moderating a free discussion of Mississippi native John Grisham's book A TIME TO KILL on Wed. October 19, 2011 at the Pearl Public Library ( 2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS). The meeting, which will begin at 6p.m., is geared towards sharing thoughts about the book but how it ironically addresses two of the big issues on the national stage right now: hate crimes and the death penalty.

Webb, 36, decided to use the book as the club's monthly selection because of the national attention that has been brought to Mississippi once again due to the death of a black man in Jackson, MS in June 2011 allegedly committed by a white teen from Rankin County strictly because of his race. After the recent execution of Troy Davis in Jackson, GA, however, Webb knew that the book club would be one of the best ways to not only address the issues but give individuals a structured place to have a real conversation.

For Webb, A TIME TO KILL was just the right book. "It has more than just the elements of good against evil," Webb says. "There are real moral issues that the book addresses, and it does it in a way that makes you question how you really feel about the issues. In some cases there is no clear definition of right and wrong."

Before the discussion begins Mississippi native Alean Adams will be signing her book WAY BEYOND PISGAH beginning at 5p.m. Her book chronicles her own fight with racism in the state and what she and others did to combat it.

Admission to both events is free and open to the public. For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.thebestbookclub.info.